For the first time in Saskatchewan history, a major charitable home lottery is about to crown the province’s next millionaire.

In recent years, home lotteries have become popular fundraisers for many charitable organizations. Traditionally, the lotteries are designed for larger population centres and focus on a pre-built showhomes in Regina or Saskatoon. Winners must either move from their own homes or attempt to sell the newly won property.

When the Children’s Wish Foundation established its goals for 2013, a major priority was to heighten awareness of the foundation’s work beyond just the major centres. The challenge was to not only meet the Foundation’s fundraising needs, but also to share the stories of Wish Kids from every region and corner of Saskatchewan. The result is an ambitious campaign, and the only one of its kind – a truly provincial home lottery fundraiser.

“Children’s Wish includes brave children in every town and community, so we knew that our Wish Home lottery had to be a reflection of that too. The whole province should be able to participate and share in the fun,” explained Saskatchewan chapter director Gay Oldhaver.

Thus, the Children’s Wish Foundation decided to take a leap of faith and make history with its 24th annual home lottery.

The Grand Prize winner in the 2013 Children’s Wish Home Lottery won’t have to take a pre-built house in Regina or Saskatoon. With the million dollar prize, the winner can build their own custom-home anywhere in Saskatchewan…or simply take the entire $1,000,000 prize in cash.

“How’s that for excitement?”, says Oldhaver, “We’re only selling 22,000 tickets. That’s less than the crowd at a Rider game, for goodness sake! Somebody’s going to win a million bucks!”

The “Wishes and Dreams” media tour has also grown to include stops in 10 different communities, highlighting local Wish Kid stories from each region. As Oldhaver notes, “People need to know that these are our kids receiving these wishes - our kids facing life-threatening illness right here in our own communities”.

“What’s YOUR $1 Million Dollar Wish?” carries a special meaning for the hundreds of volunteers and wish families who care so deeply about the work of the Children’s Wish Foundation. It reminds them of the excitement and joy that a wish provides for a child even in the midst of painful medical treatments and fear.

The Children’s Wish Home Lottery is truly a caring, community project. All proceeds remain in Saskatchewan, reaching out to Saskatchewan children facing life-threatening illness.